Planned Parenthood is set to launch 50 “Wellbeing Centers” in high schools across Los Angeles in 2020, providing vital health services directly to teenagers. As the Trump administration implements policies that threaten the existence of Planned Parenthood facilities by mandating the separation of abortion services from other health care, California has taken a proactive approach. By partnering with the Los Angeles County school district and health department, they will introduce these mini-clinics before June 2020.
Services Offered at the Wellbeing Centers
According to recent news reports, these centers will offer a variety of services, including access to birth control, condoms, STI testing and treatment, education on sexual health, and pregnancy counseling. Importantly, these centers will not provide abortion services. It is anticipated that around 75,000 teens will benefit from the initiative, particularly in low-income neighborhoods that lack nearby health resources. The rise in STI rates in these areas has prompted a more urgent need for accessible sexual health services.
Empowering Students as Peer Advocates
In addition to medical assistance, Planned Parenthood will empower students by training them as “peer advocates.” These advocates will play a crucial role in educating their fellow classmates about safe sex practices, birth control options, and healthy relationships. Each of the clinics will have two public health officials available full-time for education and counseling, while a nurse practitioner from Planned Parenthood will visit weekly to provide essential medical services. Students will have the flexibility to leave class to visit the clinics, and under California law, minors aged 12 and older can access birth control, STD testing, or mental health support without needing parental consent.
Creating Safe Spaces for Teens
Barbara Lane, head of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, explained that the name “Wellbeing Centers” reflects their goal of encouraging teens to seek out educational resources in addition to medical care. These centers aim to be a safe space for those who feel uncomfortable approaching their parents or lack the knowledge to seek help elsewhere. One anonymous high school senior expressed relief that the services would be available on campus, stating, “It being on campus — there was no excuse not to go.”
Positive Feedback and Future Discussions
Sue Mitchell, president of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, has reported that the initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and she anticipates constructive discussions about sexuality and education in schools. “I do believe that as this initiative gains more visibility, we will engage in healthy dialogues about adolescence and family communication,” Mitchell noted.
Hope for Expansion Beyond Los Angeles
While this groundbreaking program is currently limited to Los Angeles County, there’s hope that other regions will follow suit, especially as many schools are reducing sexual education classes or opting for abstinence-only curricula. For more insights on reproductive health and family planning, you can explore our other blog posts here, check out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit for DIY solutions, and refer to this resource from Healthline for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, Planned Parenthood’s initiative to establish Wellbeing Centers in Los Angeles high schools represents a significant step towards improving access to sexual health services for teenagers, particularly in underserved communities. By fostering peer education and providing critical resources, these centers aim to create a supportive environment for youth navigating their sexual health.
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